🌱Microbusiness Grants Available + Bay Area No Longer In Drought

Hey, friends! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Concord Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know that's happening around town.

• Mount Diablo Unified School District named its persons of the year.
• George Floyd's aunt is coming to the Town Hall Theater in Lafayette.
• Antioch's Velma Wilson sang the National Anthem for the Santa Cruz Warriors game.

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But first, today's weather:

A brief shower or two. High: 55 Low: 38.

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Here are the top stories in Concord today:

1. Good news! The Bay Area is no longer in drought conditions! The bad news is that the groundwater table benefits are yet to be determined, and likely won't recover from their drought levels in just one stellar year of water. While we can all rejoice that the reservoirs are getting filled up and the snowpack is at record levels, we still have to be mindful and conserve water, just like we've done for the past decade or more, according to local water authorities. (Claycord.com)
2. The Mount Diablo Unified School District named its persons of the year. Ygnacio Valley High School teacher Joseph Alvarico and Olympic Continuation High School teacher Danya Townsend took the honors. They are recognized by colleagues and students alike as "visionary educators with high expectations who help transform students' lives by making learning relevant and meaningful and building strong relationships with them." Congratulations, Mr. Alvarico and Ms. Townsend! (Contra Costa News)
3. Con Fire is now responsible for all fire and emergency medical services in the city of Pinole. The contract with Pinole went into effect March 1, 2023. The station will operate with the same firefighting staff, support staff, facilities and equipment as the former City of Pinole Fire Department. (Contra Costa News)
4. Velma Wilson, Contra Costa County 2021 Humanitarian of the Year, sang the National Anthem for the Santa Cruz Warriors game at Chase Center Saturday night. Ms. Wilson is from Antioch. (Antioch Herald)
5. If you own a microbusiness or nonprofit and were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, grants may still be available to you. Visit www.microbusinessgrant.org for more information. (City of Concord, California via Facebook)

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Today in Concord:

• Experience the freshest tastes of the season at the Walnut Creek Farmers' Market. (9:00 PM)
• Create a snow-swept landscape! Paint Almighty Mountains and Happy Pines at Painting with a Twist in Pleasant Hill. (1:00 PM)
• "Enjoy happy hour food and beverage pricing on Sunday afternoons for Sunday Sessions" at Smith's Landing Seafood Grill in Antioch. (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Let the library help you enhance your next outdoor adventure. No matter how big or small of a role science and nature plays in your life, there is something for you in the Outdoor Explorer Online Program Series." You can check out past programs or attend upcoming ones all from the comfort of home or out on the trail! (Concord Patch)
• "Hold Your Horses Livestock Emergency Evacuation Response Team & Rescue is a local non-profit evacuation team and rescue based out of East Contra Costa County." The team will be holding a new member orientation on March 26. (Antioch Herald)
• "Town Hall Theatre [in Lafayette] will host Angela Harrelson, the aunt of George Floyd and co-chair of the George Floyd Global Memorial. This is a pay-what-you-can event and 100% of ticket revenue will go to the George Floyd Global Memorial." The event will be held on March 13 at 7:00 p.m.

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Jeri Karges

About me: Jeri Karges has been living in and loving the Sacramento region for over 30 years. Her passion is finding new and unique ways to enjoy the city and surrounding areas. On weekends, you can find her pestering her friends to sample the restaurant that doesn't have silverware, or try their hand at throwing an axe. Jeri also enjoys writing about retirement planning at https://rockinretirement.subst...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Concord Patch newsletter? Contact me at Concord-Ca@Patch.com